Woods withdraws, Dubai Desert Classic suspended

Shortly after withdrew Friday, the Dubai Desert Classic was hit by strong winds that brought down some trees and forced the second round to be suspended.

and tied at 4 under after both shooting 69s, had the lowest scores after two full rounds. But

was at 9 under after eight holes at the Emirates Golf Club and overnight leader was at 8 under.

Woods withdrew before starting his second round with back spasms.

Kaymer criticized the decision to suspend play.

“Hard to understand the difference between the morning play and now, therefore even more surprised about the decision @ EuropeanTour,” the German wrote on Twitter.

Coetzee, however, supported the decision.

“We saw this one tree go down. You get a warning it’s about to collapse and start squeaking. I was walking under the trees hearing the squeaking and thinking, this could be me,” the South African said. “It’s a little bit dangerous out there with the trees collapsing and stuff. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

Steele, Hun An share Phoenix Open lead

and shared the lead Friday in the Waste Management Phoenix Open, while Justin Thomas cooled off in the desert.

An made a 35-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th for a 5-under 66, matching Steele at 10-under 132 at TPC Scottsdale. Steele had a 67.

Thomas had a 73 to miss the cut by a stroke. He was coming off a two-week break after sweeping the Hawaii events — and shooting 59 at Waialae — for his second and third victories of the season. Defending champion

was a stroke back at 9 under along with first-round leader

and The crowd was estimated at 169,004, breaking the Friday record of 160,415 set last year.

FROM WIRE REPORTS